Shenzhou-21 Commander Ready to Lead New Mission | China Space Station

Shenzhou-21 Commander Ready to Lead New Mission | China Space Station

Veteran Chinese astronaut Zhang Lu is taking command of the Shenzhou-21 crewed mission, marking a significant return to space with greater responsibility and purpose.

Zhang Lu, who was a crew member of the Shenzhou-15 mission, said "after two years, being able to once again represent my country and carry out the Shenzhou-21 mission fills me with excitement and anticipation. Since the conclusion of the Shenzhou-15 mission, I've returned to intensive training with the mindset of a student. In response to the new features of the space station missions, I've devoted myself to studying and research."

Zhang Lu also reflected on his responsibility and shared how interacting with curious, space-loving children has deepened his conviction in passing the torch of China's space dreams to the next generation.

"Over the years, I've visited schools to share my spaceflight experiences with children who are passionate about space and science, passing on the spirit of exploration with eyes full of stars and oceans, hearts filled with unwavering loyalty to the motherland. The curiosity and longing for the universe in their eyes constantly remind me of the profound meaning behind passing the torch of China's space endeavor from one generation to the next," said Zhang.

He also described his deep emotional connection to China's space station and his readiness to rejoin the mission.

"I've closely followed the status of the space station, every extravehicular activity, every scientific experiment. Right now, what I'm most looking forward to is hearing those familiar call signs again: Shuguang (Dawn), Beijing, Tiangong, Yinhe (Galaxy), Tianzhou. It's been a long time. How have you all been? This is Shenzhou-21. We're on our way," said Zhang.

Astronauts on the Shenzhou-21 crew spacecraft were greeted by the Shenzhou-20 crew members they will be replacing, after successfully docking with China's Tiangong space station in orbit on November 1, 2025, to begin the handover of duties—only 3.5 hours after launch, setting a new record for the fastest docking achieved between a Shenzhou spacecraft and China’s space station.

Commander Zhang Lu, previously a member of the Shenzhou-15 mission, alongside flight engineer Wu Fei and payload specialist Zhang Hongzhang, who are each embarking on their first spaceflight mission, successfully entered the station's core module Tianhe. The six crew members then took group pictures for the seventh space get-together in China's aerospace history.

The Shenzhou-21 astronauts will stay on board the space station for around six months.

They are set to undertake a series of key scientific experiments during their mission that will also see them witness the arrival of the Tianzhou-10 cargo craft and later welcome the Shenzhou-22 crewed spacecraft to take over duties onboard the space station.

Shenzhou-21 is the 37th flight mission of China's human spaceflight program and the sixth crewed mission during the application and development stage of the Tiangong Space Station.

Shenzhou-21 Crew
Zhang Lu (张陆) - Commander & Pilot - Second spaceflight
Wu Fei (武飞) Flight Engineer - First spaceflight
Zhang Hong Zhang (张洪章) - Payload Specialist - First spaceflight

Shenzhou-20 Crew

Chen Dong (陈冬) - Commander - Third spaceflight

Chen Zhong Rui (陈中瑞) - Operator - First spaceflight

Wang Jie (王杰) - Flight Engineer - First spaceflight

Video Credit: CCTV
Duration: 3 minutes
Release Date: Oct. 31, 2025

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